February 16, 2023

Shalom Chaverim (Dear Friends),

Sunday’s exciting Super Bowl game also kicked off a great opportunity for some quality time for my family. My wife, Lori, returned to Phoenix for the first time in almost a year. She’s traveling for work, but has the good fortune to be staying with our son, Noah, and his fiancé Patricia. I look forward to enjoying a family visit when Lori and I return to Phoenix for Pesach in April.

Things are exciting here at our Adolph & Rose Levis JCC, as well. Our Levis JCC Judy Levis Krug Boca Raton Jewish Film Festival (JLKBRJFF) is in the spotlight with several exciting events. This past Wednesday evening, more than 200 people enjoyed a screening of the film “Four Winters,” winner of “Best Documentary at the Toronto Film Festival, followed by guest speaker Filmmaker Julia Mintz. On Sunday, the Festival presented its “Day of Shorts” programs, generously sponsored by Dana Egert at Movies of Delray. Part of the Billi & Bernie Marcus Year-Round Film Programs, it featured fourteen unique short films—the best of the Festival, just condensed! Next Thursday, February 23rd, we are very excited to present “Baltic Truth,” which will be screened at the Levis JCC and followed by a live, in-person Q&A with internationally renowned performer Dudu Fisher and the film’s director, Eugene Levin, moderated By Craig Weiner From The Craig And Barbara Weiner Holocaust Reflection and Resource Center. The Festival officially kicks off with “Cinebash,” our VIP Patron Festival event, on Tuesday, February 28th at The Polo Club of Boca Raton. Guests will enjoy dinner and a premiere screening of an episode of Forgotten Frontlines: The Nazi Titanic with special Guest Speaker Dr. Robert Watson. Limited tickets are available to the public. You can learn more about our Festival, view trailers, purchase tickets or passes here.

This week’s Torah portion is Mishpatim (Ordinances) in the book of Exodus, the second of the five books of Moses. In it, G-d legislates the rules governing the conduct of justice by courts of law. I find it fascinating that in 2023, there are heated conversations happening in Israel, as well as huge protests; opinions are abundant and emotions are running high. Here at our Levis JCC, our leadership takes its fiduciary responsibilities very seriously. Our Board of Directors recently updated the organization’s bylaws and we are currently processing the nominations for new officers and Board members for the coming year. We are grateful for our strong leadership and proud to have them guide our Levis JCC as we serve our community!

Light Shabbat candles Friday evening at 6:01 pm.
Shabbat ends on Saturday night at 6:54 pm.

Shabbat Shalom,

Marty